View Full Version : cross tires for pavement


steel515
11-30-2007, 09:21 AM
Which tires are also good for pavement?
Something like Vittoria XN, etc.

elmar schrauth
11-30-2007, 09:32 AM
grifo ss
dugast pipistrello
schwalbe cx-comp

m_s
11-30-2007, 09:33 AM
I'm usually a lurker here but...

What do you want to do? Ride cross and pavement? because it may be hard to find something that does both. If you just want to ride dirt roads and pavement, a widish slick might do the trick as long as it's dry (something like 700 x 32-35).

I often don't change out to slicks on my cross bike due to laziness, but the tread can wear down awfully fast on pavement.

If you're looking at the XNs I assume you'll be riding in mostly dry conditions off road. They look like they would be a good choice. I've never run them but lots of people do.

You could also consider something with inverted tread like the Vittoria Randonneur Pro.

TWD
11-30-2007, 09:59 AM
If you're talking about mixed pavement/off-raod rides, then something with good cornering knobs and minimal center tread is ideal, yet still with enough volume to handle off-road.

Most knobbies will wear really quick on pavement, and therefore, I wouldn't recommend sinking a lot of money into an off-road tire for use on pavement that you'll wear down in a month.

My two schools of though for tires for mixed on/off road use are this.
1. Heavier more durable tires with minimal center tread, decent cornering knobs, and a touring type casing.
2. Cheap lower profile (file tread or semi-slick) tires with good cornering knobs.

The first category is heavier and not as supple riding but far more durable for mostly pavement types. The second category sacrafices the puncture resistance and durability for lighter weight and smoother ride.

I'm currently running some Schwalbe Marathon Cross (700x37). They've got a puncture resistant casing, long wearing compound, with fairly smooth center tread (an inverted chevron pattern) and decent cornering knobs. They definitely fit into the first category. They roll relatively well on pavement, are durable for pavement (i.e. commuting and touring) and do suprisingly well off-road.

The Continental Travel Contacts are another tire that fits into this category. They are claimed 700x37 but measure more like a 32. Not quite a capable off-road, but a good durable tire for tough pavement use.

In the second category, my pick is the Ritchey Speedmax. You can often find these tires in wire bead for cheap (~$15 or less). They roll better and are more supple than the tires mentioned above. The semi-slick tread patter wears pretty well on the pavement, and since they are cheap, you won't shed tears when you wear them out. I use these tires for rides that are say 80% off-road 20% pavement. Not as durable and flatproof as the others but much better wearing than full knobs.

I've also used the Kenda Kwick and Michelin Sprints that are somewhat similar in function as the ritcheys but both were more flat prone and wore faster than the Ritcheys.

Michelin Bicycle Tech
11-30-2007, 12:04 PM
I've also used the Kenda Kwick and Michelin Sprints that are somewhat similar in function as the ritcheys but both were more flat prone and wore faster than the Ritcheys.

The name for the Michelin Sprints has been changed to the Michelin Jets. That might make searching for those tires easier.

pretender
11-30-2007, 01:16 PM
I really like the Avocet Cross II. A bit hard to find, but worth the effort IMO.